Human Performance & Limitations - Pressure Changes Flashcards
What is the clinical term for the condition whereby someone is experiencing oxygen starvation?
Hypoxia
The early symptoms of hypoxia are similar to that of mild alcohol intoxication. What are those symptoms?
Reduced concentration
Increased reaction times
Increase in risk-taking behaviour / loss of inhibitions
Reduced fine and gross motor control / coordination
Poor judgement
Poor attention to detail
Blurred vision and a blue colouration of the lips and fingernails are the severe symptoms of which condition which precedes a loss of consciousness?
Hypoxia
Is hypoxia caused by an increase or decrease in the partail pressure of oxygen in the lungs?
Decrease
True or False? - Although it is impossible to predict the altitude at which hypoxia may occur, the symptoms are most marked above 10,000ft and can develop much faster at higher altitudes?
True
Name 4 factors which increase a pilot’s susceptibility to hypoxia
Smoking
Increasing altitude (especially beyond 10,000ft MSL)
Fitness
Alcohol
Upper and lower respiratory tract problems
Fatigue
Carbon monoxide poisoning
On ascent, will gases trapped in the abdomen and teeth try to contract or expand under the influence of decreased atmospheric pressure?
Expand - to equalise with the surrounding decreasing atmospheric pressure
How can pain and discomfort in the abdomen and teeth upon ascent be relieved?
Slowing the rate of ascent, or
Descending to a lower altitude
Name 2 ways in which excess abdominal gas is produced
Consuming gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, onions etc or large quantities of carbonated beverages
After a single (air) scuba dive not requiring a decompression stop, what is the minimum period of time a pilot should allow to elapse at sea level before operating an aircraft?
12 hours
After a single (air) scuba dive requiring a decompression stop, what is the minimum period of time a pilot should allow to elapse at sea level before operating an aircraft?
18 hours
If you are flying solo at 5000ft and begin to experience tingling sensations, dizziness, a dull headache and an increased heart rate, what condition to you suspect to be sufffering from and what would your actions be?
Hyperventiliation (because of the altitude and HR)
Consciously revert to a normal breathing rate, talk out loud in a calm manner or sing out loud
Is a heavy smoker more or less likely to suffer from hypoxia at altitudes less than 10,000ft MSL?
More likely
What a 10% carbon monoxide contamination of the blood, what is a heavy smoker’s effective altitude at sea level?
12,000ft !!!
True or False? - any respiratory condition effecting a pilot (or passenger) that restricts the free passage of air into and out of the lungs, thus reducing the amount of available oxygen, means the hypoxic symptoms may be experienced below 5000ft MSL?
True
